How to Winterize a Sewage Pump

Winterize a sewage pump to prevent costly repairs.

If you own a cottage or vacation home that is vacant during the winter, you must winterize the sewage pump to prevent damage. Winter temperatures can cause the sewage pump and lines to freeze. If that happens, there is a high possibility that breakage will occur, causing leaks as the spring season arrives. These breaks are expensive to repair, but they can be avoided if the proper winterization is completed.

1

Turn off the water to the sewage pump, toilet and lines.

2

Flush the toilet to remove the water from the tank.

3

Locate and unplug the sewage pump. Remove the lines to drain all water from the pump and the lines running to the pump.

4

Re-attach the lines to the sewage pump.

5

Fill the tank of the toilet with propylene glycol RV fluid. Flush the toilet. Repeat the process twice.

Things You Will Need

Propylene glycol RV fluid

Tip

Allow the propylene glycol RV fluid to remain in the toilet, lines and the sewage pump throughout the winter months. The fluid is rated for temperatures to -50 degrees Fahrenheit and will not freeze. Drain the toilet, lines and sewage pump in the spring. Reattach and turn on the water. Flush the toilet two or three times to flush the system of the propylene glycol RV fluid.

Warning

Do not use car antifreeze in a sewage system. The chemicals in car antifreeze are harmful to animals, people and plants.

About the Author

Kim Blakesley is a home remodeling business owner, former art/business teacher and school principal. She began her writing and photography career in 2008. Blakesley's education, fine arts, remodeling, green living, and arts and crafts articles have appeared on numerous websites, including DeWalt Tools, as well as in "Farm Journal" and "Pro Farmer."